7 Musts for Spring Break Safety

As if it wasn’t stressful enough that my youngest daughter is in London for the semester: My eldest flew last night to visit her. This is just what I need — both of my children gallivanting abroad for spring break! Many of us have been following the story of the San Diego student who was studying abroad, went missing, and whose body was just found. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. For those of you who have kids going abroad for an extended period, let me recommend that you have your own passport updated should the unthinkable happen and you need to get there fast.

A University of Wisconsin study reported that 75% of college males and 45% of females were intoxicated daily during spring break. Besides potential alcohol poisoning, there is a strong connection between alcohol or drug use and increased risky behavior. Choices about sex should be made while alert and sober to avoid becoming a victim of assault, an STD, or an unwanted pregnancy. Date rape drugs such as Rohypnol or “GHB” are odorless, colorless, and tasteless and have been implicated in many spring break incidents.

Not to mention, more than 2,500 Americans are arrested each year for narcotics possession or intoxication in public places while vacationing in foreign countries. Those who violate local laws could face severe penalties.

What else? Tidal currents are unpredictable and many drown each year due to riptides or sudden drop-offs in shallow water. Students should be familiar with the flag warning system (and be aware, they are not always posted). “Red” means stay out of the water due to strong undertow and riptides, “yellow” means caution due to the possibility of strong currents, and “blue” means the water’s calm. If you get caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore rather than against it.

Spring Break should be a wonderful, well-deserved vacation for all of you students out there. But please be cautious and keep these tips in mind for a safe trip:

Reserve hotel rooms above the first floor, because they’re harder to break into. Lock your hotel room doors and don’t open it for any strangers even if they claim to be staff. Leave valuables at home or lock them in the hotel safe. Observe where fire exits are located. Beware of balconies and don’t lean on railings.

My daughter tends to carry very little money, relying on ATMs. Never go to an ATM alone and always be aware of anyone who seems suspicious before going up to the machine. Always block the view of the keypad when entering your pin number. Call your bank in advance of travel to advise of your pending travel plans and ensure your card will work.

Always use the buddy system when going out. Three is best, because if someone gets into trouble one can stay while the other goes for help. If someone is missing for more than a few minutes, launch a search. Don’t let anyone in your group leave with someone they just met, no matter how hard they might try to convince you. Two words: Natalee Holloway.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynda Shrager

Lynda Shrager began navigating through the mystifying maze that is our national health care system on the day, more than 19 years ago, when she and her daughter were simultaneously diagnosed with...read more